Original ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Actors Defend Netflix Reboot Amid Fan Backlash: ‘It Will Be Different’ and Not Turned ‘Into Something Weird’

Original “Little House on the Prairie” actors Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim are quelling concerns that the recently announced reboot will tarnish the legacy of the beloved 1974 drama.

In a recent interview with Remind, Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson in the original “Litte House,” said she’s heard two distinct fan reactions to the reboot: “People are like, ‘Oh my God, yay, a reboot. It’s the greatest thing that ever happened. The second coming.’ Or , ‘No, no, no, not a reboot. The show is perfect. Don’t touch it.’ And they’re getting upset about it.”

Arngrim clarified the new series is “not really like a reboot” since it will be more faithful to Laura Wilder’s original books than the TV show. She hopes this fact will calm the nerves of “Little House” purists.

“So concerns that they’re going to run amok away from the books and make it into something weird, not happening,” Arngrim said. She added that if anything seemed out of place in development, executive producer Trip Friendly, the son of original “Little House on the Prairie” producer Ed Friendly, would “pull the plug on it” before it reached the viewers.

Butler, who played Almanzo in the original series, said the show isn’t attempting to recreate the work of original series creator Michael Landon, and instead, will deliver a “different” experience for a modern audience.

“It’s never going to be what Michael did,” Butler said. “Michael was Michael. He was a unique creative presence with this magical touch with an audience. And look, the creative team on the new show may also have a magical touch with an audience, but it’s a different touch and it will be different.”

Arngrim ended the interview by saying that “none” of the original cast will return for the reboot, but added she is open to a cameo.

“I have been joking for years that I’m finally old enough to play Mrs. Oleson, so call me,” she said.

In January, it was announced that Netflix had greenlit the “Little House on the Prairie” reboot. Rebecca Sonnenshine will serve as showrunner and will executive produce with Susanna Fogel, Danna Fox and Trip Friendly. CBS Studios and Anonymous Content serve as producers.